COLUMBIANA, Alabama -- SafeHouse of Shelby County
continues to provide help for domestic violence and sexual abuse victims in the
area thanks to ongoing support from the Shelby County Commission.

SafeHouse of Shelby County residential manager Rebecca Bryant and executive director Kathy Wells in November arranged a load of donated blankets, clothing and other items the agency needs to help families suffering from domestic and sexual violence. Wells thanked the Shelby County Commission for its ongoing support during a meeting on Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. (Martin J. Reed / mreed@al.com)

Agency director Kathy Wells thanked the board at its
meeting this morning in Columbiana for its help that allows the
organization to continue in its mission, which includes emergency shelter for
victims.

"We have done a lot of work with the help of the county
in the last five years," Wells told commissioners. "At the bottom line, what we
do is save lives, literally."

Wells said the agency's emergency shelter as of today had
32 women and children. The number is down from the record high of 57 who stayed
in the shelter last May and June.

"For six weeks we had between 55 and 57 women and
children in shelter," Wells said, noting the higher number is three more than
capacity for the facility.

SafeHouse of Shelby County, which has an office in
Pelham, has evolved over the years to better serve people who need the agency's
assistance.

"We have implemented changes that not only help us
provide emergency services and shelter to victims," but it also allows them to
become more stable in their lives, Wells said.

Services include a variety of topics such as financial empowerment training, credit
repair, training on money saving and even help with purchasing homes. "Our goal
is not just to get somebody out and into a home," Wells said.

The agency has received national recognition for its
work, which can continue due partly to Shelby County government's ongoing support,
she added.

"We do it because it's what is in the best interest of
the women and children that we serve," as well as men who need help, Wells
said.

Wells read a letter from someone who benefited from the
agency's help, which included shelter, meals, daycare and counseling. The
person learned how to support a family with children while finding happiness
again, she said.

"That says it all right there. We cannot do it all
without you," Wells said.